HGTV causes divorce ... or am I just being a negative?

[James Carlson]

So what do all you agents out there think about this?

My wife and biz partner, @Erin Spradlin, heard this NPR story this morning about HGTV's 25th anniversary that mentions how contrived and fake the channel's rehab and flipper shows are. The pertinent quote for my this thread's purpose: "Every person I know that's renovated their house has ended up in bankruptcy or in divorce court."

As agents, we see a steady stream of first-time homebuyers in Denver and Colorado Springs who have no experience with renovations who want to replicate their favorite HGTV show. 

We counsel our buyers to steer clear. I think the first purchase should be an easy win so that you repeat it over and over. Want an investment? Buy a SFH and house-hack by the room or find a place with a basement apartment to rent. But then I know people like @Jeff White who took on a big project in Denver, and it turned out great. 

So are we saving our clients from divorce and financial collapse? Or are we being negative nellies?

[John Teachout]

I don't think house renovations cause divorce. Now building a new home, that can put a strain on a marriage. lol.

Every single "reality show" on television isn't. Just tell people that and that should suffice.